The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

GRAND Bahama residents and community leaders are demanding firm timelines for the redevelopment of the island’s international airport and Grand Lucayan resort ahead of a major announcement by Prime Minister Philip Davis, with some warning that further promises will do little to restore public confidence.

Former Cabinet minister Peter Turnquest said the Prime Minister must account for previously announced projects, particularly the airport and hotel developments, while addressing deficiencies in healthcare and the absence of a coordinated strategy to revive the island’s economy.

“What we really do not need to hear is more of the same,” Mr Turnquest said. “What we need to hear is solid plans, solid developments that are in train with timelines that we can all understand and plan around.”

The demands come after repeated government assurances that work is advancing on two projects considered central to Grand Bahama’s economic recovery.

In January, Mr Davis announced that the first phase of the airport redevelopment, representing an investment of more than $100m, had moved into ground preparation. The government had also signed a heads of agreement in May 2025 with Concord Wilshire for an $800m-plus redevelopment of the Grand Lucayan, although questions about the project's progress have persisted.

Mr Turnquest said the island needed more than updates on individual projects. He questioned whether the government had a comprehensive development strategy as Grand Bahama's industrial sector continued to decline.

He called for a coordinated effort to revive tourism, including the Grand Lucayan, Port Lucaya Marina, other marinas and the island's golf courses, alongside investment in new industries.

“It is a real shame. I think we had six golf courses at one point to now we have none,” he said.

Mr Turnquest also questioned whether cruise developments were generating sufficient business for local operators, warning that self-contained facilities could prevent visitors from spending money in the wider community.

Healthcare was another concern. He said construction of a clinic had continued for six or seven years without completion, leaving residents uncertain about the services it would provide, including whether inpatient care would be available.

He argued that inadequate healthcare facilities could discourage potential investors and second-home owners, and called for improved access to specialised services such as chemotherapy and cataract surgery.

Residents interviewed by The Tribune expressed similar frustration over the pace of development, particularly the airport.

Sarah Kirkby said the island's temporary airport terminal and inadequate passenger facilities remained an obstacle for travellers and called for a definite completion schedule.

“I sincerely hope he is not coming simply to make another announcement about an announcement — like the hotel project that was announced, knocked down, and then patched up a few days later,” Ms Kirkby said.

She argued that Grand Bahama's contribution to the national Treasury warranted greater urgency and said the government must deliver both a completed airport and sufficient hotel accommodation to support local businesses.

“A meaningful announcement for Grand Bahama would be a firm commitment, with a firm timeline, to finally get our airport completed,” she said.

Resident Don Martin said the airport and the cost of living were his immediate priorities, particularly fuel prices and inflation.

He complained that repeated government assurances had produced too little information about when projects would be completed.

“If you ain’t doing something with gasoline and you ain’t showing me the blueprints for the airport and some other things, I really don’t care,” Mr Martin said.

Taxi driver Shavonne Munnings said the need for improved air access was matched by the difficulties facing drivers who depend on cruise passengers for work.

She said limited passenger numbers and the preference given to tour buses meant some taxi operators went several cruise-ship visits without securing a fare.

"You wait almost two up to four boat days to get a job," Ms Munnings said.

She said the government should examine transportation arrangements at the cruise port to ensure taxi drivers had better opportunities to earn a living.

Veteran unionist Michelle Dorsett, however, expressed greater optimism about the government's efforts to attract investment, including its engagement with the Grand Bahama Port Authority.

She acknowledged that development takes time but said residents needed to see visible progress at the Grand Lucayan and Port Lucaya.

Ms Dorsett said economic opportunities must extend beyond major investors to straw vendors, hospitality workers, sanitation employees and other small businesses and workers.

Her hope, she said, was that new investment would produce meaningful improvements in livelihoods across the island rather than benefits concentrated among a few businesses.